Page 66 of The Earl’s Hoyden

“No, it…” Lucy held her hand upright, then dropped it to the right and made a small splashing sound.

“How unusual, the poor dear.” Hannah’s heart clenched at the awfulness of such a thing. “Did it scamper out?”

Lucy hesitated as if she did not understand the question, then quickly said, “No. No, it did not.”

“Oh, there must be something horribly wrong with it.” Hannah was the one encouraging Lucy to go faster now. “It’s so cold outside that the thing will likely freeze. Why didn’t you save it?”

“I don’t know anything about the little beasts but am aware of your fondness for them.” Lucy exited through the terrace door.

Hannah rushed outside and immediately spotted the pond several steps from the terrace. They raced down the short flight of stairs into the garden and through the moonlit path to the pool of water.

The surface was so still that it perfectly reflected the moon like a mirror.

“Where is it?” Hannah shook her head.

“It has to be here somewhere,” Lucy said, somewhat bewildered.

But in looking at the surrounding area of the pond, Hannah realized there were no darkened areas suggesting drops of water. Hannah looked at Lucy in shock, thoroughly confused.

There was no cat.

So, why had she been led out into the garden on such a bitterly cold night?

The respite from Lady Alison while she danced with the duke was one Lucien wished might last forever. His only regret was that during his conversation with his mother, he had lost sight of Hannah.

As the music ended, the muscles along the back of his neck tensed in anticipation of having to entertain Lady Alison once more. In the last few interactions, he had become less and less patient with her petulant and cruel behavior. She had already entwined herself around the duke like an invasive weed. Why did she need to keep her grip on Lucien as well?

A curious thing happened as Lady Alison neared. Lady Jillian and Lady Elizabeth approached her out of nowhere, barring her way toward him.

He would have to thank them later for their intervention, which would afford him a few more moments of blissful silence.

“Lord Brightstone.”

He turned to the sound of the gentle voice and found Miss Honeyfield gazing sweetly at him. “If you had the opportunity to speak to Miss Bexley again, to explain your side of the situation, would you spare a moment?”

“I have a lifetime of moments to spare if she would accept them,” he answered.

Miss Honeyfield beamed. “I hoped you might say something of the sort. She’s on the terrace.”

He did not bother looking back at Lady Alison. If given the opportunity to be with Hannah, he would never once regret turning his back on the loathsome woman who had sucked the life from his soul that past fortnight.

Ladies planted themselves opportunistically in his path, but he darted around them, not caring if his actions were unseemly. He was determined to reach the terrace as swiftly as was possible. When he finally pushed outside, he discovered Hannah on her hands and knees, peering out into the garden.

The scene was admittedly a strange one, and it gave him pause. At least, until Miss Beauchamp wished him luck, swept past him and closed the door behind her. He did not miss the distinct click of the lock sliding into place.

Hannah straightened, locked eyes with him and froze. “Are you looking for the cat as well?” she asked with hesitation, sensing something was amiss. “I confess, I don’t think there is one, despite Lucy’s insistence that it’s out here.” She scanned the area. “Where is Lucy?”

“She left.” He gestured to the door.

Hannah frowned. “And why are you here?”

“I was instructed to come out here to speak with you if I so desired, to present my side of what has transpired between us.” He stepped closer but stopped his advancement when she tensed.

“Who would say that?” she asked.

“Miss Honeyfield,” he replied. “I believe this was a scheme you were not privy to.” Disappointment crushed at his chest.

“I was not.” Her chin lifted with indignation. “I don’t even have my cloak…” The words died on her tongue as she peered at something behind Lucien.